Yoshihiro Akiyama Moving to Welterweight Division

After losing three consecutive UFC scraps, Sponichi is reporting middleweight Yoshihiro Akiyama has decided to drop down to the welterweight division. Akiyama owns a 13-4 (2 NC) record and was last seen getting put to sleep by Vitor Belfort at UFC 133 in August.

While running the reverse trifecta typically spells a trip to the unemployment line, UFC president Dana White suggested the 36-year-old would not be released if he lost 15 pounds. Furthermore, the world’s premier MMA promotion is also plotting a Japanese invasion in 2012 and could benefit greatly from “Sexyama’s” services.

The judoka star is one of Japan’s most popular fighters, with most of his accomplishments taking place in the Land of the Rising Sun. He has posted a disappointing 1-3 mark since joining the UFC in 2009.